Why the US Sunscreen Aisle Looks Frozen in Time
The regulatory backstory of why U.S. sunscreen innovation stalled, and why that's finally changing.
Bemotrizinol is the first new active in the U.S. OTC sunscreen monograph since the late 1990s.
Uvinul T 150 is one of the strongest photostable UVB absorbers available to formulators.
Frequently asked questions
Are next-gen UV filters better than older ones?
Newer filters such as bemotrizinol, bisoctrizole and Mexoryl 400 generally give broader, more even UVA coverage and far better photostability than older ones like avobenzone, which degrades in sunlight. They also tend to feel more elegant — though applying enough and reapplying still matter most.
Which sunscreen filters are approved in the US vs the EU?
The EU has approved 34 UV filters for sunscreens; the US allows about 16 (now 17 with bemotrizinol's 2026 approval). Filters widely used in Europe and Asia — such as bisoctrizole, drometrizole trisiloxane and Mexoryl 400 — remain under FDA review, which is why US options have lagged.
What does broad-spectrum protection actually mean?
'Broad-spectrum' means a sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB. In the US a product must pass an FDA critical-wavelength test to make the claim. Because SPF only measures UVB protection, broad-spectrum labeling is how you know you're also covered against deeper, aging UVA rays.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Is bemotrizinol finally coming to US sunscreens?'
Sources & citations
- FDA Final Administrative Order OTC000039, bemotrizinol (June 9, 2026)
- labmuffin.com ↗